US Nurses' Perceptions Regarding Caring for Suspected, Probable, and Confirmed Ebola Virus Disease Patients, Part 1: A Quantitative Analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined US hospital, ambulatory/outpatient facility, and clinic nurses' perceptions regarding care of persons under investigation (PUIs) and confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) patients and EVD nursing workforce impact.

BACKGROUND

Timely research was warranted to better understand nurses' perceptions.

METHODS

This survey research used convenience sampling of RNs, LPNs, and nurse technicians. Respondents completed a 45-item electronic validated survey.

RESULTS

Overall average perceived risk with providing care was higher for confirmed EVD patients (5.2) than PUIs (4.8) (0 = no risk, 10 = highest risk). Few had cared for confirmed EVD patients (0.3%) or PUIs (0.7%). Whereas 48.4% felt prepared in protecting themselves from contracting EVD, 25.2% were concerned with contracting EVD. More nurses (45.9%) felt they should be able to opt out of caring for confirmed EVD patients as compared with those caring for PUIs (39.2%). EVD emergence had not affected (85.8%) nurses' willingness to provide direct patient care; however, 6.8% reported EVD has decreased years planned in the nursing workforce.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses reported moderate risk for EVD-related patient care; 6.8% may leave the workforce earlier.